What Are the Benefits of Eating Porridge?

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ADRIENNE WEEKS Last Updated: Oct 12, 2013

Adrienne Weeks

Adrienne Weeks spends her time as a collegiate speech instructor, fitness instructor and stay-at-home mom. She holds a master's degree in communication studies from Texas Tech University. Weeks has written about a wide variety of topics but enjoys sharing her passion about fitness, cooking and parenting.

Porridge is a hot cereal similar to oatmeal. While oatmeal often consists of crushed, rolled, cut or coarsely ground oats, porridge consists of any type of crushed grain, including oats, wheat, rice or barley. Eating porridge on a regular basis offers numerous benefits. The hot cereal is rich in fiber, has high protein content and helps stabilize your blood sugar.

Essential Nutrients

Foods, such as porridge, that are made from whole grains provide the essential nutrients present in a whole grain seed. Crushed, cracked, rolled or cooked grains also offer the nutrients found in the whole seed. Porridge contains protein, zinc, iron, magnesium, antioxidants, vitamin B, vitamin E and phytochemicals. This package of essential nutrients can help boost your immune system and fight infection.

Stabilizes Blood Sugar

Eating porridge on a regular basis may help stabilize blood-sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The fiber content in porridge helps slow the absorption of sugar, which may improve blood-glucose levels for people who suffer from diabetes. Controlling blood glucose levels also reduces your risk of kidney problems, stroke and heart disease.

Weight Loss

Not only do high-fiber foods, such as porridge, help with digestion, they also may help you lose weight. Fiber-rich foods are generally low in calories but high in volume. This helps you stay full longer and may help reduce the amount of food you consume throughout the day. Eating porridge as a breakfast food also starts your metabolism and improves energy levels. Eat a bowl of porridge with an 8-oz. glass of skim milk and 1/2 cup of raspberries for a balanced breakfast.

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